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Considering buying my first Zenith El Primero

vintage hab
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Hey Zenith lovers!

I'm thinking about buying my first Zenith: an El Primero. I'm not a big chrono fan, but I think every collection should have one. I currently have a FOIS that I wear on occasion, but I'm thinking of swapping it for an El Primero. I really like the three color subdials!

My wrist is 7.25” and my preferred watch size is 40mm, although I just got a 42mm SM that I’m getting used to. Back to the El Primero, I prefer the 42mm (ref 03.2040.400) on bracelet compared to the 38mm (ref 03.2150.400), mainly because I like the symmetry of the date at 6. My concern is that the 42mm will wear too big, especially given the lack of bezel. The new chronomaster sport could be the solution, but it’s more expensive and I kinda like the red second hand on the EP.

Anyway, I appreciate anyone’s thoughts on the comparison. Also, what level of discounts can be achieved on the Zeniths?

Cheers!

upload_2021-1-25_21-45-44.png
 
Shibata
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at 7.25" you can definitely pull off either size. The 42mm does wear big. I have a 7" wrist and although the 42mm is doable for me I preferred the 39mm on my wrist. I am the opposite of you. I prefer the look of the 38mm dial. Definitely try both on if possible. I expected to like 42mm.
I also prefer 40mm. I just got a JLC 40mm Chronograph and the size is perfect.
 
STANDY
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The left of the above is my pick. Just looks better the way the subdial’s sit.
Edited:
 
pdxleaf
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STANDY STANDY
The left of the above is my pick. Just looks better the way the sundials sit.
I hate to agree with Andy because he's already got a big head from always being right but i'm afraid he's correct again.

The one with the date between 4 and 5 is less intrusive. I am a person who dislikes dates on watches (altough I like triple dates, which doesn't make sense.) The way they designed this date I like it. It's there when you want it but isn't always screaming "look at me, it's the 14th!"

Have you considered the new ceramic bezel 1/10th? Isn't it 41mm? I was pretty impressed with it and it made me think why would I spend the same money for a Snoopy when I could get that Zenith? Just thinking aloud. I was wondering if I would miss the hour counter though. But it doesn't have the star on the chrono hand like your choices and it comes in a black dial. Not trying to talk you into anything but wondering what you thought about it versus these.

I have yet to see one in person. Based on how great the pictures are i can only imagine how nice in person.

Regardless your choice, they all look amazing. Kind of stand apart from other chronos. Other chronos are nice too but these Zenith's have an appeal all their own.

Good luck with deciding.
 
cvalue13
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pdxleaf pdxleaf
Have you considered the new ceramic bezel 1/10th?

that is the chrono sport he mentions:

vintage hab vintage hab
The new chronomaster sport could be the solution, but it’s more expensive and I kinda like the red second hand on the EP.

I for one vote chrono sport, so that someone with hands on experience might explain to me why that watch exists. 😕
 
YY77
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cvalue13 cvalue13
I for one vote chrono sport, so that someone with hands on experience might explain to me why that watch exists. 😕

I think this one I have hands on experience with will irk you more.😜

IMG_20210116_002658-2.jpg
 
Darlinboy
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38mm would be my pick, and the date at 4:30p is the classic EP position. Because of the narrow bezel and tach integrated on the dial, for me, they are visually bigger on the wrist than say a Speedmaster. If you can try one on, you really should before buying.

I do wish they'd made it without the star on the chrono sweep - never got why you'd want to draw the eye to the wrong end of the indicator.
 
vintage hab
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Shibata Shibata
at 7.25" you can definitely pull off either size. The 42mm does wear big. I have a 7" wrist and although the 42mm is doable for me I preferred the 39mm on my wrist. I am the opposite of you. I prefer the look of the 38mm dial. Definitely try both on if possible. I expected to like 42mm.
I also prefer 40mm. I just got a JLC 40mm Chronograph and the size is perfect.
Good feedback. I definitely need to go try them on. Hopefully my AD will carry both in inventory
 
vintage hab
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STANDY STANDY
The left of the above is my pick. Just looks better the way the subdial’s sit.
True that there is less subdial overlap on the 38mm.
BTW, please go back to the keyboard avatar you had last month. The reptile eye freaks me out !😲
 
vintage hab
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cvalue13 cvalue13
I for one vote chrono sport, so that someone with hands on experience might explain to me why that watch exists. 😕
Yeah, i saw your posts on the other thread about the usefullness, or rather uselessness, of the 1/10. The reality is I don't use the chrono anyways, but I agree with your point.
 
vintage hab
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Darlinboy Darlinboy
38mm would be my pick, and the date at 4:30p is the classic EP position. Because of the narrow bezel and tach integrated on the dial, for me, they are visually bigger on the wrist than say a Speedmaster. If you can try one on, you really should before buying.

I do wish they'd made it without the star on the chrono sweep - never got why you'd want to draw the eye to the wrong end of the indicator.
Well I'm a purist and love the classics, so maybe the 4:30 date location is right for me. That and size has me pointing that way. But I really need to try them both on.
 
Charger_Vital
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Both sizes will work for you. 42mm is not too big. I also have a 7.25 wist. Here is a photo of my 42mm Chronomaster and my a386 (38mm)

IMG_0760.jpg IMG_4409.jpg IMG_4410 (1).jpg
 
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vintage hab vintage hab
True that there is less subdial overlap on the 38mm.
BTW, please go back to the keyboard avatar you had last month. The reptile eye freaks me out !😲

The Crocodile eye has been my main Avatar for years.

Just went the
5A090589-C055-4B02-903B-ADDF692129FC.png

because I liked the joke.
 
cvalue13
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YY77 YY77
I think this one I have hands on experience with will irk you more.😜

No! No! No!

Just as I very much like the Zenith 50th Ann limited edition with both 1/10th and 1/100th second “novelty” (in English sense of the word) examples, I also like your far more limited and rare “mikro” example (much props!). I absolutely understand a brand having limited examples highlighting a horological feat.

In fact, your example I like a bit more (and not at all because it’s white gold 😉), as they kept the time totalizer function on the dial - rather than inventing a bezel for it 😵‍💫

Driftung... drifting...
 
YY77
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cvalue13 cvalue13
No! No! No!

Just as I very much like the Zenith 50th Ann limited edition with both 1/10th and 1/100th second “novelty” (in English sense of the word) examples, I also like your far more limited and rare “mikro” example (much props!). I absolutely understand a brand having limited examples highlighting a horological feat.

In fact, your example I like a bit more (and not at all because it’s white gold 😉), as they kept the time totalizer function on the dial - rather than inventing a bezel for it 😵‍💫

Driftung... drifting...
Tnx for your appreciation, very happy with it. Haven't worn it for more than 2 months last year as a date change issue kept it going back to TH now for the 3rd time after a complete overhaul in dec 2019.
 
amcclell
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I like the 38mm, and the 4:30 date window, as that reflects the original size and configuration. Size is a matter of preference as 42mm is not too big, nor is 38mm too small. I would not get the 1/10 as my one and only EP. The regular movement is far more useful and representative of this classic.
 
amcclell
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berrychlossom berrychlossom
Left one definitely, the date window is more uniquely placed in my opinion.
Agreed - the 4:30 date window is a signature Zenith design cue. To address the lack of photos, here is my early 70's Surf EP that I am wearing today.

20210125_100702.jpg
 
MG-Speedy
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I have both 38 and 42. My wrist size is 17cm (6,75"). I wear 42mm rarely, since I find it big, however not the case size (42: lug2lug: 50mm; 38: lug2lug: 47mm), but the diameter of the dial. 38mm has a perfect dial size around 33 mm, what is more or less like Speedy 42mm. Here the photos:
Zenith38.jpg Zenith_42.jpg
 
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